What Can You Plant Where Tomatoes Were Planted Last Year

Planting tomatoes can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also exhaust the soil's nutrients. This is why it is important to rotate your crops, planting different vegetables or fruits in the same soil every year. If you're wondering what you can plant where tomatoes were planted last year, here are some ideas:

1. Legumes

Legumes, such as beans or peas, have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. This means they convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by plants. Nitrogen is essential for plant growth, and legumes help replenish this nutrient in the soil. In addition, legumes are relatively easy to grow and can improve the soil structure. They also tend to be resistant to pests and diseases, making them a practical planting option after tomatoes.

2. Cucurbits

Cucurbits, including cucumbers, squash, and pumpkins, are also great choices for planting after tomatoes. These plants do not require a lot of nitrogen, which makes them ideal for soil that has been depleted by previous tomato crops. Additionally, cucurbits can help suppress certain soil-borne diseases, such as verticillium wilt and fusarium wilt, that can affect tomato crops.

3. Brassicas

Brassicas, such as broccoli, kale, and cabbage, are another good option for planting where tomatoes were planted last year. These plants are not heavy feeders and can thrive in soil that has been used for tomatoes. In fact, planting brassicas after tomatoes can help break the cycle of soil-borne diseases that affect tomato plants. However, brassicas are susceptible to certain pests, such as cabbage worms, so it's important to take proper pest management measures.

4. Alliums

Alliums, including onions, garlic, and shallots, have powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties that can help protect the soil from certain diseases. They also help to aerate and loosen the soil, making it easier for other plants to grow. Alliums are relatively easy to grow and can be planted in soil that has been used for tomatoes, although they do prefer well-drained soil.

5. Greens

Greens, such as lettuce, spinach, and arugula, are another great option for planting after tomatoes. These plants are not heavy feeders and can grow quickly, making them ideal for a late-season crop. They also do not require a lot of maintenance and can be harvested multiple times over the course of the growing season. Greens are also known for their ability to retain moisture in the soil, which can benefit other crops that are planted after them.

Overall, there are many different options for planting where tomatoes were planted last year. By rotating your crops and choosing plants that do not require the same nutrients as tomatoes, you can help replenish the soil and maintain a healthy, productive garden.